The Hollywoodbets Sharks will travel to Loftus Versfeld for Saturday’s second round Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash with the Vodacom Bulls.
The return leg of this fixtures presents a big challenge for the side, missing a number of internationals, but still able to name a side that has plenty of experience at this level.
Vincent Tshituka continues to carry the leadership responsibilities in the absence of Springboks Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi, and he is one of a number of changes to the forward pack that stood up to the Bulls in the first-round clash, won by the Durban side at Hollywoodbets Kings Park less than two months ago.
The Bulls will have to contend with a Springbok front row comprising Ntuthuko Mchunu, Bongi Mbonambi and Trevor Nyakane who will have a massive task upfront as they look to tame their front row counterparts.
Corne Rahl and Jason Jenkins form the second-row partnership with Tshituka linking up with Tino Mavesere and Phepsi Buthelezi in the back row.
Grant Williams and Siya Masuku form the halfback pairing, taking over from brothers Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse who featured in round one, while Lukhanyo Am partners with Jurenzo Julius in the midfield and Ethan Hooker, Yaw Penxe and Jordan Hendrikse complete the team, comprising the back three.
The Bulls have won two of their last VURC games, the only loss was going down to the Hollywoodbets Sharks, a narrow 20-17 defeat in Durban in December, while the Hollywoodbets Sharks also have a run of two from their last three.
This match promises to be every bit as intense and physical as we’ve come to expect in derby matches between the two sides.
Hollywoodbets Sharks
1. Ntuthuko Mchunu Martitzburg College
2. Bongi Mbonambi St Albans College
3. Trevor Nyakane Hoerskool Ben Vorster
4. Corne Rahl Hoer Landbouskool Oakdale
5. Jason Jenkins St Albans College
6. Tinotenda Mavesere Churchill Boys
7. Vincent Tshituka (c) Northcliff High School
8. Phepsi Buthelezi Durban High School
9. Grant Williams Paarl Gimnasium
10. Siya Masuku Piet Retief High School
11. Ethan Hooker Westville Boys High
12. Lukhanyo Am De Vos Malan High School
13. Jurenzo Julius Paul Roos Gimnasium
14. Yaw Penxe Queens College Boys High School
15. Jordan Hendrikse Glenwood Boys High School
Replacements
16. Ethan Bester Hilton College
17. Ruan Dreyer Monument High School
18. Hanro Jacobs Paul Roos Gimnasium
19. Lappies Labuschagne Maritzburg College
20. Jannes Potgieter Hilton College
21. Bradley Davids Paarl Gimnasium
22. Francois Venter Grey College
23. Jaco Williams Glenwood Boys High School
